shield deflection 07/23/2014 01:57 PM CDT
I have been training in shield deflection of elements. This is supposed to help protect against ball splashes, but also flares from weapons. I was hunting in Kiramon the other night, and got hit numerous times with that damned electrical flare of theirs. I was hit around 14 times, the lsst one burning out my brain; never did I block a single flare. Someone mentioned to me that Kiramon flares are just different mechanically for some reason. Is this correct? Will I actually be able to block flares from something like an Ithzir crystal blade or a feras weapon?

"So, what does that green line on the graph represent?"
"Oh, that's the projection of a hypothetical offspring from a union between Sauron and Cruella de Ville; we use that as a baseline for determining character alignment."
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Re: shield deflection 07/23/2014 04:23 PM CDT
The attack generally has to originate as an AS attack. Fire mage death stare also gets blocked (at least an invasion creature has for me, haven't hunted the original on Teras for awhile).

I don't remember how the Kiramon flare works.
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Re: shield deflection 07/23/2014 07:00 PM CDT
>>I don't remember how the Kiramon flare works.<<

They attack you, and if they score a hit, there's a good chance an electrical discharge occurs as well.

The Bells of Hell
go ding-a-ling-a-ling
for you but not for me
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dtraining 08/17/2014 02:59 PM CDT
OK, apparently no one is able to answer me as to why, when I supposedly deflected that ball spell explosion, I still was stunned. I'm going to go with the guess that at 2 ranks the protection is only partial, and that the ball would have hit me even harder if my attempt to block had failed. I would still like a more definitive answer, though.

Now, here's a question about Dtraining, of which I now have 2 ranks. What types of missiles can this block? Right now, stone giants toss the occasional boulder at me. Is this skill capable of deflecting such a heavy missile, or is it limited to things like arrows, javelins etc.? If the latter is the case, I am considering dropping dtraining and getting some shield brawler skill instead, since I use UAC almost exclusively nowadays. Any comments or suggestions?

"So, what does that green line on the graph represent?"
"Oh, that's the projection of a hypothetical offspring from a union between Sauron and Cruella de Ville; we use that as a baseline for determining character alignment."
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Re: dtraining 08/19/2014 08:54 PM CDT


I dont think anything blocks a feras flare, and as to the answer. As was said it has to be a bolt cast, which means an actual elemental spell such as mages cast. The deflection doesnt keep you from being hit entirely. There is a warding formula that determines if you are able to basically bounce the bolt off with your shield rather then get hit. Flares that result as additional damage from a hit from a weapon or other things I do not think apply. It also works for arrows, but there is a rather complex formula that is first influenced by shield size, then shield skill, then your training, and all of that is applied.
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Re: dtraining 08/19/2014 09:01 PM CDT


decreasing damage from a flaring weapon would be Resistance.. if the weapon hits you it already got by your shield.

A critter casting at you would be deflectable, a flaring weapon is not. they are two different systems. The weapon hitting you is melee combat, being cast at is a bolt attack.
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deflection training and deflect elements: two different skills, two different questions 08/19/2014 11:29 PM CDT
OK folks, I am talking about two different shield skills here, with similar names, which may be causing some confusion. Deflect elements is designed to protect from elemental bolts, deflection training is supposed to give the chance of bouncing a physical missile attack back onto a creature. I had two totally different questions, one about each skill, which I will try asking again. This is my current training; notice there are two separate skills, both involving deflection of one sort or another.

Skill name Mnemonic Ranks
Small Shield Focus sfocus 3
Deflection Training dtraining 2
Deflect the Elements deflect 2

I'll repost my question about deflection first; here is the log once more. It specifically states I succeed in deflecting the elements away, so why am I hit and stunned? I have yet to get an explanation aside from the one I myself suggested.

>>A Taladorian spellweaver gestures at you!
A Taladorian spellweaver hurls a roaring ball of fire at you!
AS: +234 vs DS: +203 with AvD: +44 + d100 roll: +48 = +123
... and hits for 4 points of damage!
Flames tickle left arm. Hair singed.
The roaring ball of fire strikes you, blossoming into a much larger sphere of flame upon impact.
You manage to bring up your brown orase targe in time to deflect the elements harmlessly away from yourself!

A burst of flame from a Taladorian spellweaver's roaring ball of fire flies off and hits you!
... 20 points of damage!
Nasty burns to back. Won't be sleeping on that for awhile.
You are stunned for 3 rounds!<<

Now, regarding deflection training; is it capable of redirecting a heavy missile like a boulder, or is it only effective vs lighter stuff like arrows, hurled javelins and such? I have rarely encountered critters using the latter, and what really hurt was recently having a stone giant bounce a boulder off my head. If dtraining doesn't work on such a heavy missile, I might be better off changing to another shield skill instead; shield brawling comes to mind. I'd appreciate some data to help me decide.

"So, what does that green line on the graph represent?"
"Oh, that's the projection of a hypothetical offspring from a union between Sauron and Cruella de Ville; we use that as a baseline for determining character alignment."
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deflect elements 08/19/2014 11:46 PM CDT
>>decreasing damage from a flaring weapon would be Resistance.. if the weapon hits you it already got by your shield.

A critter casting at you would be deflectable, a flaring weapon is not. they are two different systems. The weapon hitting you is melee combat, being cast at is a bolt attack.<<

I'm starting to think this might be the case; the skill description, however, seems to imply blocking the flare from a weapon hit as well. This is what I get when I check the deflect elements skill in game; specifically, the mention of elemental blade is what I am referring to.

Shield Point Cost:
Rank 1: 6
Rank 2: 12
Rank 3: 18
Description: You may have been struck by an elemental blade or ball spell, but you know that there is still time to deflect the unleashed elements.
Mechanics: Provides a chance to deflect the discharge of an elemental flare or ball spell explosion harmlessly away from yourself. Each additional rank allows for a greater chance to successfully deflect the elements, as do smaller sized shields.

"So, what does that green line on the graph represent?"
"Oh, that's the projection of a hypothetical offspring from a union between Sauron and Cruella de Ville; we use that as a baseline for determining character alignment."
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Re: deflection training and deflect elements: two different skills, two different questions 08/20/2014 12:00 AM CDT
>Now, regarding deflection training; is it capable of redirecting a heavy missile like a boulder, or is it only effective vs lighter stuff like arrows, hurled javelins and such? I have rarely encountered critters using the latter, and what really hurt was recently having a stone giant bounce a boulder off my head. If dtraining doesn't work on such a heavy missile, I might be better off changing to another shield skill instead; shield brawling comes to mind. I'd appreciate some data to help me decide. -- THROGG

Deflection Training description:

Upon successfully blocking a ranged missile or thrown weapon attack while in a forward or greater stance, there is a chance that the attack can be redirected against another enemy creature in the same room (or even the original attacker). This chance is 35%/55%/75% at Ranks 1/2/3.

A boulder is not a ranged missile. A ranged missile would be an arrow, heavy bolt or light bolt


Mark
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Re: dtraining 08/20/2014 01:35 AM CDT
<I dont think anything blocks a feras flare, and as to the answer. As was said it has to be a bolt cast, which means an actual elemental spell such as mages cast. The deflection doesnt keep you from being hit entirely. There is a warding formula that determines if you are able to basically bounce the bolt off with your shield rather then get hit. Flares that result as additional damage from a hit from a weapon or other things I do not think apply. It also works for arrows, but there is a rather complex formula that is first influenced by shield size, then shield skill, then your training, and all of that is applied.>

Throgg is correct that there are two shield maneuvers you seem to be lumping together, Deflection training (ranged and thrown weapons) and Deflect the Elements (bolts, balls, and flares).

Deflect the Elements does deflect melee weapon flares, at least it did when it came out and it was tested on me with a feras weapon. I'll be happy to check again.

<decreasing damage from a flaring weapon would be Resistance.. if the weapon hits you it already got by your shield.>

There is a shield manuever which does decrease damage from a flare that does get by the shield (before resistance), it is called Block the Elements.
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Re: deflect elements 08/20/2014 01:38 AM CDT
<Mechanics: Provides a chance to deflect the discharge of an *elemental flare*>

This, for melee.

Also, I have not tested but I agree boulders would not be deflected. That is likely considered a creature maneuver list thingie and also, not ranged or hurled in the weapon sense.
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Re: deflect elements 08/20/2014 04:32 AM CDT
Deflect the elements looks buggy. Either its giving success messaging when you failed the roll, or it isn't giving success mechanics when you made the roll.

The boulder would depends on the mechanics used (mage bolt spell or SMR wouldn't count, but if it used thrown mechanics it would)
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Re: deflection training and deflect elements: two different skills, two different questions 08/20/2014 05:59 AM CDT
>>A boulder is not a ranged missile. A ranged missile would be an arrow, heavy bolt or light bolt<<

Semantics; I would definitely consider a boulder in flight, whether launched by a catapult or thrown by a giant, to be a ranged missile. I would also consider a cannonball to fall into that category. Both are projectiles (missiles) launched from a distance (range). QED. Now, if you want to tell me that the kinetic energy of such projectiles is far too great for them to be blocked or deflected by a mere shield, I can certainly accept that argument as being eminently logical. The problem is that GS IV game mechanics don't always follow logic; there are many character abilities that defy natural laws (not to mention the existence of magic!). Hence, it is conceivable that deflection training could indeed, whether intended by the designer or not, work against such missiles as I have mentioned.

"There are two categories of enemies: those who
have been dealt with appropriately, and those
who are still breathing."
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Re: deflect elements 08/20/2014 06:42 AM CDT
>>The boulder would depends on the mechanics used (mage bolt spell or SMR wouldn't count, but if it used thrown mechanics it would)<<

Ooooh! That brings up another question in my mind! Hurl boulder is a mage spell which should fall under the category of magical bolts. Can deflect the elements (in this case the element is earth) block this attack form? I should be getting the third rank of this skill sometime today; I'll have to find a mage to help me check this out by firing boulders at me. And hey! If my shield can indeed block a magical boulder, why not a real one? "Inquiring minds want to know!"

Actually, I have already thought of an answer to that last question. Let's see how creative you folks are; what did I come up with? Oh, and extra points for identifying the source of that quotation above.

"For the female of the species
is more deadly than the male."
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Re: deflect elements 08/20/2014 07:17 AM CDT

Then there is Deflection Mastery, which increaes your CML defense to avoid the boulders as well.
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Re: deflection training and deflect elements: two different skills, two different questions 08/20/2014 11:56 AM CDT
>Semantics; I would definitely consider a boulder in flight, whether launched by a catapult or thrown by a giant, to be a ranged missile. I would also consider a cannonball to fall into that category. Both are projectiles (missiles) launched from a distance (range). QED. Now, if you want to tell me that the kinetic energy of such projectiles is far too great for them to be blocked or deflected by a mere shield, I can certainly accept that argument as being eminently logical. The problem is that GS IV game mechanics don't always follow logic; there are many character abilities that defy natural laws (not to mention the existence of magic!). Hence, it is conceivable that deflection training could indeed, whether intended by the designer or not, work against such missiles as I have mentioned. -- THROGG

Semantics? A ranged MISSILE is clearly defined in the Gemstone IV dictionary. Whether you agree with the definition, or not, is irrelevant. It is not a magical bolt, meteor, hurled boulder or spitball. It is an arrow fired from a bow or a bolt fired from a crossbow.

Ranged ATTACKS include missiles, bolt spells and thrown weapons. They are distinct from one another even though they have some common elements. Deflection Training has the potential to redirect ranged missiles (as defined below) and thrown weapons only.

Finally, Deflection Training activates upon successfully BLOCKING the attack. Normally, bolt spells cannot be blocked by a shield.

http://www.play.net/gs4/info/armory/missileweapons.asp

Missile weapons in Elanthia include bows, cross bows, and a few variations of the sling. The advantage of missile weapons is obvious. A practiced missile user may easily avoid contact with the sharp end of a foe's weapon without sacrificing accuracy. Additionally, due to the disposable nature of ammunition, missile weapon users have less to fear from weapon degradation and breakage.
Ranged vs. Melee attacks: When used in the left hand, missile weapons and ammunition function normally as ranged weapons, however, in a pinch the user may switch the weapon or ammunition to his or her right hand and use it as a melee weapon. Ranged weapons are not susceptible to weapon degradation and breakage unless they are used as melee weapons. Ammunition types, however, are susceptible.
Missile weapons are not commonly used in Elanthia, however, they have a devout group of enthusiasts. The five categories of missile weapons are:
Composite Bow
Heavy Crossbow
Light Crossbow
Long Bow
Short Bow
There are three ammunition types:
Arrow
Heavy Bolt
Light Bolt


Mark
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Re: deflection training and deflect elements: two different skills, two different questions 08/20/2014 01:39 PM CDT
>> A ranged MISSILE is clearly defined in the Gemstone IV dictionary.<<

How dare you attempt to refute my carefully constructed arguments with mere facts?? The nerve!

OK, so dtraining is probably out. Anyone know how many critters use true missile(tm) weapons?

"So, what does that green line on the graph represent?"
"Oh, that's the projection of a hypothetical offspring from a union between Sauron and Cruella de Ville; we use that as a baseline for determining character alignment."
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Re: deflection training and deflect elements: two different skills, two different questions 08/20/2014 07:56 PM CDT


I see them a lot with bandits (bandit and escorts) and grimswarm.
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Re: deflection training and deflect elements: two different skills, two different questions 08/21/2014 03:27 AM CDT
Hmm; well, I'm not in GOS so grimswarm are unlikely to feature in my future, and I rarely do bandits ... feels like I am hunting myself, being also a rogue type. Any normal critters that routinely use missile weapons (as previously defined)?

"So, what does that green line on the graph represent?"
"Oh, that's the projection of a hypothetical offspring from a union between Sauron and Cruella de Ville; we use that as a baseline for determining character alignment."
Reply
Re: deflection training and deflect elements: two different skills, two different questions 08/21/2014 03:56 AM CDT
Triton magus in Nelemar used ranged, executioners I think hurl sometimes, its been awhile.

Capped Rift/Scatter don't but earlier planes have a little bit of hurling (thinking lunatics and likely another).

Otherwise maybe Shan or other earlier levels may have ranged/thrown.
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Re: deflection training and deflect elements: two different skills, two different questions 08/21/2014 07:37 PM CDT
deflection training works on any ranged or hurled weapon, my little halfling is really good at killing Illoke with their own sledgehammers when they throw them at him.Seems the more agile you are the better at deflecting back you are.
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Re: deflection training and deflect elements: two different skills, two different questions 08/21/2014 11:45 PM CDT

<Hmm; well, I'm not in GOS so grimswarm are unlikely to feature in my future, and I rarely do bandits ... feels like I am hunting myself, being also a rogue type. Any normal critters that routinely use missile weapons (as previously defined)?>

that is not entirely true as its been said a few times that many attacks or such are easier to work and get around coding issues based on the existing Grimswarm coding, For example the imps within the dark forest with the Talador knights are in fact grimswarm allies.

I dont know if hurl boulder actually qualifies as bolt or not, but I suspect it does not.

Spells that splash or blossom would be if elemental and you are the initial target,but I do not think it would apply to the actual splash.

the same standard I believe applies to the partial benefit of 602 and how it does or does not offer additional aid against BOLT spells or attacks.
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Re: deflection training and deflect elements: two different skills, two different questions 08/22/2014 12:32 PM CDT

I just noticed a deflected splash from something in Old Fae last week. My hunting partner was the target.

I could dig out the log for the exact messaging. I took notice because the defection is pretty rare.
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Re: deflection training and deflect elements: two different skills, two different questions 08/26/2014 06:46 PM CDT


For the original problem of being stunned by a ball spell:

Elemental block does the trick with this. One rank makes a noticeable difference with this, and I may pick up another (or master) now that I've ditched shield strike mastery.




>shield help eblock
Skill Name: Block the Elements
Mnemonic: eblock
Hostile: No
Stamina Cost: None
Other Requirements: None
Available to: Warriors, Paladins.
Prerequisites:
None
Shield Point Cost:
Rank 1: 6
Rank 2: 12
Rank 3: 18
Description: You may have been struck by an elemental blade or ball spell, but you know that you can use your shield to mitigate their effects.
Mechanics: Reduces the damage dealt from elemental flares and ball spell explosions. Each additional rank provides for greater damage reduction, as do larger sized shields.
>



Morden, player of.
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Re: deflection training and deflect elements: two different skills, two different questions 08/26/2014 06:47 PM CDT
>feels like I am hunting myself, being also a rogue type.

Oops. Nevermind.
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Re: deflection training and deflect elements: two different skills, two different questions 08/26/2014 09:24 PM CDT
Just FYI, the issue from a few months back with blocking a ball explosion and then still getting hit by the blast was a bug, and was fixed also a few months back.

Coase
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Re: deflection training and deflect elements: two different skills, two different questions 08/26/2014 09:26 PM CDT


any chance semis could get a shield stance?? maybe one that no one uses.I mean we could 2x shield we should get at least 1 or 2 shield maneuvers even if its crappy
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Re: deflection training and deflect elements: two different skills, two different questions 08/26/2014 09:33 PM CDT
>> the issue from a few months back with blocking a ball explosion and then still getting hit by the blast was a bug, and was fixed also a few months back.<<

Good to hear. The episode I posted happened back in May, which would be within the time frame you mention. I haven't had the occasion arise since, but I'll have to pay attention and see if it occurs again.


"For the female of the species
is more deadly than the male."
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Re: deflection training and deflect elements: two different skills, two different questions 08/27/2014 04:36 AM CDT
>any chance semis could get a shield stance?? maybe one that no one uses.I mean we could 2x shield we should get at least 1 or 2 shield maneuvers even if its crappy

They do. Its not a square semi thing. Some semis get them and some squares don't.
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